Tom Emmer Announces Candidacy for U.S. House Speaker After McCarthy’s Removal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Tom Emmer has officially declared his bid to become the next U.S. House speaker, following the unprecedented removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy earlier this month.
In an announcement on Saturday morning, Emmer took to Twitter and stated that he would be running for the position “to bring our conference together and get back to work.” Emmer emphasized the accomplishments of the Republican majority in the House over the past 10 months and highlighted the need to fight for the House majority and deliver on the conservative agenda.
“The American people elected us to deliver on a conservative agenda that secures our border, stops reckless spending, and holds Joe Biden accountable. We cannot afford to fail them,” Emmer tweeted.
The leadership void in the House has hindered Congress’ ability to conduct business, and previous bids from Republican Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan were unsuccessful due to divisions within the House Republican caucus.
Emmer initially stated that he would not seek the speakership and instead aimed for the position of House Majority Leader. Currently serving as the majority whip, Emmer is in the number three spot in House leadership.
Late Friday, Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad announced his support for Emmer’s candidacy. Finstad praised Emmer’s leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to unite the House and work for the American people.
During the interim period since McCarthy’s removal, Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry has acted as speaker pro tempore.
Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado voted for Emmer in multiple rounds of voting for the speaker, in which Jordan failed to secure enough votes.
Earlier this month, Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips, who voted for McCarthy’s removal, suggested Emmer as a replacement, emphasizing the urgency to select a new Speaker of the House in order to resume Congressional operations.
Other candidates have also thrown their hats into the ring, including Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma and Rep. Jack Bergman of Michigan, who expressed their intentions to run for the speakership.
The race for the speakership remains ongoing, with the future House speaker expected to play a critical role in shaping the legislative agenda and addressing key issues facing the nation.